Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a newly self published author from Jersey City , New Jersey. I’m a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University. I have founded a 501(c)(3) organization called The Outreach and Uplift Foundation Inc. I am also the CEO of the Shannon Wealth Advisory. I have traveled to many parts of the world, and with my personal experiences. I hope to offer a solution to solve the many obstacles minorities face within the urban community. I have written one book.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of my book is entitled, The Memoirs of a Modern Day Slave. What inspired my book was my everyday life living in the inner city. It was my opportunity to attend college, and travel the world that helped liberate me. My liberation then helped create enlightenment. In which I used to create journal entries of the harsh reality that minorities face living within urban communities. I used my own philosophies and ideologies that I gained through the years to express my viewpoints on society. Which in return helped me to create this memoir.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to think that my writing habits are a bit unusual and unorthodox. Before I conduct my writing, I like to make observations and do a little research. I also like to use theories. In my memoir, I use Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, and the Muted Group Theory. To make comparisons within my subject matter. I also like to write short notes in my iphone . This helps me to not forget and remember what it is I want to write.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
The very first book that ever influenced me was, The autobiography of Malcolm X as told to Alex Haley. I remember reading it in college, and it changed my life. it inspired me so much, that I traveled to Egypt because of it. Malcolm X’s entire transition spoke to me as a early youth. Another book that helped influence me was, Succeeding Against the Odds- The Autobiography of a Great American Businessman. It’s about the founder of Ebony magazine, John H. Johnson. His entire life story was compelling, and it helped motivate me to accomplish anything in life. No matter what adversities I may face.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on some new ventures for the following year with my non profit organization , The Outreach and Uplift Foundation, Inc. I’m looking to get more involved in the community of Jersey City. So I’m currently working on some grants. I’m also promoting tmy memoir, and trying to get it into the hands of as many readers as possible.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method so far is by using Facebook and Instagram. I pay to advertise my posts, and by doing so. I’m able to reach a larger target audience. I’m also using promotion sites like Awesome Gang to help broadcast my book as well.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
My advice to new authors is to not be discouraged. It’s easy to lose faith in your project. It took me 7 years to self publish my book. However the opportunity presented itself , and I took advantage of it. I’ve learned that things may not happen on “your time”, but it will happen “in time”. Just remain focus, and never give up !
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I ever heard came from my father . He said to me “They can’t get blood from a rock.” For some reason that quote always stuck with me . It just means no one can get anything out of you that you can’t give. Try to do the best with what little you have, but don’t overexert yourself.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading Sam Greenlee’s ,The Spook Who Sat By The Door.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next for me as a writer is to hopefully gain more insight and hopefully churn out another book on the plight of Afro Americans. I’m currently happy with my book as a new self-published author, and initially I only set out to help inspire those in the urban community. However, I think in time I’ll be able to write more books. Once more subject matters are revealed to me.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The 48 Laws of Power, The Autobiography of Malcolm X as told by Alex Haley, Who Moved My Cheese, and The Alchemist.
Author Websites and Profiles
Jerard Shannon Amazon Profile